LOCAL author Donna Baker ? aka Lilian Harry ? thought at first it was an April Fool joke when a telephone caller announced himself as Jimmy Savile.

It really should have been no surprise, however. Sir Jimmy was ringing her to thank her for the script she had sent him of her new play which was performed as part of the Peter Tavy ?Dartmoor Evening? in the village hall on Saturday.

The play was the final part of an evening of traditional entertainment and followed a similar evening last year which also played to a packed house.

And why the interest from Sir Jimmy? Simply because the play told the story of the Great TV Switch-Off instigated by the entertainer and a national tabloid back in 1984.

Jimmy and a young reporter, the now famous Alastair Campbell, came to Peter Tavy to make sure everyone kept their part of the bargain ? before the grand switch-on and presentation of £1,000 towards village hall funds.

It is a great script, and very funny,? Sir Jimmy told Donna.

He sent a message to the village to be read out at the performance ? and said he was sorry he could not get there himself.

And the title of the play ? Jim?ll Switch It . . .